"I knew I wanted to be an ABA Therapist the first time my child needed to see one. I saw the impact she made, and the improvements my child made, through receiving behavioral therapy. I instantly knew that this was the best way for me to be a support to my child, and children with similar challenges."
Now is the time to really let your passion for behavior therapy show. Think back to the time that you decided you wanted to work with children with Autism and other brain disorders. Did you choose this career because you were disappointed in the system? Do you have a family member that you wanted to help? Keep your answer honest and positive. We all know there is a lot of dysfunction in the world but during your interview is not the time to focus on that.
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Entry Level Example
"Growing up, I always had an interest in social work and behavioral therapy. After seeing a career counselor who suggested researching ABA Therapy, I knew it was the right choice for me. I am very excited to take this first step in my career, now that my education and certification is complete."
Experienced Example
"I have been an ABA Therapist for so long now, I cannot even imagine not having taking this career path. What first sparked my interest was when I was working as a teachers' assistant. There was a special needs student who had their own personal therapist in class. The bond between the two of them was incredible and the work seemed like a perfect blend of challenging, and rewarding. I soon went back to school to complete my Psychology degree and haven't looked back since."
What are the types of differential reinforcement techniques?
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"The four different types of differential reinforcement are differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, alternative behavior, other behavior and differential reinforcement of low rates. I've found that encouraging teachers to use differential reinforcement of alternative behavior works best within the classroom setting."
"Great question! The four different types of differential reinforcement are differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, alternative behavior, other behavior and differential reinforcement of low rates. I have used all 4 methods with a variety of students throughout my career; however, I tend to use alternative behavior reinforcement most often."
Rewarding the desired behavior and ignoring the negative behavior is one of your go-to's as an ABA Therapist. The interviewer is looking for the textbook answer to this question but be sure to have an example in your back pocket if they want to know more.
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Entry Level Example
"From my understanding, the four different types of differential reinforcement are differential reinforcement of incompatible behavior, alternative behavior, other behavior and differential reinforcement of low rates. I plan to try using all 4 methods with most students. I am sure that once I become more experienced, I will learn which methods work best for which students"
Tell me about an organization or group outside of work that you contributed to.
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"For the past 8 months I have volunteered every Wednesday evening at our local animal shelter. I will help with grooming the animals, feeding them, and walking them. It's been a really fun experience and rewarding at the same time."
Many hiring managers will choose one candidate over another because of their volunteer experience. They feel that it shows strong character and selflessness...all qualities that make a great employee. Talk to the interviewer about your willingness to give back to your community in some form of volunteerism. If you do not have formal volunteer experience you can draw on things you do in your spare time to assist friends, family, or even your current employer.
If you do have volunteer experience: "For the past 8 months I have volunteered every Wednesday evening at our local animal shelter. I will help with grooming the animals, feeding them, and walking them. It's been a really fun experience and rewarding at the same time."
If you do not have volunteer experience: "I have not formally volunteered in these most recent years, however; I spend a lot of time helping my sister who is a single mom. I will babysit on weekends, cook dinners for her and drive the kids to appointments when necessary. I feel that it is very important to take care of the needs of family."
More Answer Examples
Entry Level Example
"I volunteer 1 to 2 Saturdays per month serving meals at a local homeless shelter. Helping others is very rewarding."
Experienced Example
"I am on the board of Cincinnati ABA Therapists. I am proud to say that, throughout the years, I have been able to make an impact on policy and regulations for our industry."
When you suffer a setback with a patient, how does that emotionally affect you and your work?
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"Experiencing a setback is always disappointing, and can be a bit disheartening, but I understand that it happens from time to time. If I experience a major setback I will take a few moments to debrief and discuss what I could have done differently, with a more seasoned behavioral therapist in the office. Then, I move forward with new treatment methods."
Everyone handles the stress and disappointment of setbacks differently. Discuss with the interviewer how you typically cope with setbacks while working with a patient.
More Answer Examples
Entry Level Example
"If I were to experience a significant setback with a patient, I think that would be really difficult because you are so invested in your patients' progress. I would have to reassess my plan and then try, try again! Giving up is never an option."
Experienced Example
"Setbacks can be trying, but I find that you have to learn how to lose before you learn how to win. While I never enjoy a setback, I use them as a stepping off point to something even better. My patients deserve the best of me so, for that reason, I do not let them see me feeling defeated after a setback."
An ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) Therapist is a professional that studies a patient's behavior to implement an appropriate behavioral intervention. An ABA Therapist combines psychology, counseling, social work, education, and organizational management all into one job. Your patient populations includes children and adults with mental illness, developmental disabilities and learning disorders. You bring your expertise to schools, homes, institutions, group homes and hospitals. Your busy addressing behaviors such as language; social, academic, leisure and functional life skills; aggression, selfinjury, oppositional and stereotyped behaviors. Every patient is different and every day brings a new challenge.
Creativity, free thinking, patience and flexibility come second nature to you. As an ABA Therapist you have to be able to think outside of the box. Creativity is one of the tools in your toolbox to bring out the best in a child. You may conduct an ABA session at the park or beach, create a slideshow of your patients favorite photos or teach them to play an instrument. Your therapy will help teach, increase and maintain behaviors such as life, communication and social skills.
Your resume will reflect your education now you'll need to show the interviewer how you made an impact in your patients lives. To prepare for your interview, do some research to see who your target population is. Have a few short, relevant stories in your back pocket that show your talents as an ABA Therapist. Tell the interviewer about the various tools and programs you use with your patients and your ability to work along side other medical professionals.